Between windmills and enchantment

The celebrated young Spanish Cuarteto Iberia, established in 2018, honours the rich traditions of the genre, yet their spirit of exploration knows no bounds. In this inventive recital, they pair a timeless masterwork with a programme infused with the zest of Spain and Latin America. The connecting element is three movements from the compelling Quijotadas by the American composer Gabriela Lena Frank. And for the grand finale? Tonight, the audience takes the reins, choosing between Schubert and Shostakovich!

In her colourful music, Gabriela Lena Frank (1972) often draws upon the rich palette of her multicultural background. Quijotadas finds its inspiration in the renowned story of Don Quixote, the knight who fought windmills. Cuarteto Iberia creates an intriguing interplay by alternating parts of the composition with the imaginative works of composers from different eras: Mateo Flecha (Renaissance), Enrique Granados (fin de siècle), and Alberto Ginastera (20th century). The title of Mateo Flecha’s piece, Ensalada, translates to ‘salad’, a fitting name for a vocal genre that playfully tossed together various languages and dialects.

Outdoor concert
This Terrace Concert is an outdoor event. The sun can be intense and the wind can be quite strong near the water, so come prepared. In the event of unfavourable weather conditions, the performance will be held indoors in the Entrance Hall, which overlooks the river IJ.

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